Yesterday we looked at the beautiful story of God’s love and compassion towards sinners who turn to Him in faith. As we studied the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), I’m sure if we are being honest, each of us could identify with the younger son in some ways.
In the text, we are reminded that Jesus is teaching a lesson about His own life and ministry to sinners. All the worst rejects of society were drawing near to Jesus and the religious leaders of His day were deeply offended. I’m so grateful that when Jesus chose to call me out of darkness and save my soul, that He didn’t consult with you or anyone else. He didn’t ask the angels in heaven if they thought I was worth saving. Instead, while I was still a sinner, God showed His love for me in that Christ died for me (see Romans 5:8).
The young son left his father’s loving care and tried to get as far away as possible. He desperately tried to find contentment in the most wretched ways. The Scripture says that he squandered all he had on “reckless living.” I wonder if you can relate? How many times have we taken all the incredible gifts of God and wasted them on our own pursuits instead of His? How many times have we ran from God as we try to play god of our own lives? How many times, just like the young son, have we woke up in the pig pen? Filthy. Desperate. Defeated. Hungry. Alone.
I don’t know who you are or what you are facing today. I don’t know where life has taken you. I don’t know what type of hurt you’ve faced or what bad decisions you’ve made. I don’t know how you got into the far country or wound up in the pig pen. What I do know is that if you would take a step of faith towards the Heavenly Father and make a determined decision to repent and trust in Jesus, you would experience the life transforming power of the Gospel.
So often when we sin, it pushes us deeper into the darkness. Our enemy, who is the father of liars, convinces us that we can’t come to God in our broken mess. He rains down condemnation and accusations against us and eventually we wonder if he’s right. How perfectly Jesus captures both the character of Satan but also His own incredible love for us: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10 ESV).
As I close out this week’s update, I just want you to know I’m praying for you. The Father is calling you home dear child. He is waiting to tenderly take you into His loving arms and to restore you. It is time for you to not just make a choice to come back home, but to take those first steps to return to the Father’s love and presence.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:8 ESV)
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